Outdoor Spa Covers – Indoor Spa Covers

Welcome back class, we have another distinction to make in the use of spa and hot tub lexicon. My last post detailed the differences between a spa, a hot tub and a Jacuzzi, and this time around we look at the distinct differences in design and construction for indoor spa covers, and inground spa covers.

The first thing you have to know is that an ASTM safety standard is the same for indoor or outdoor spa covers. There are a half-dozen ways to make a cheap spa cover, but if you want to sell ASTM spa covers, you have to follow the standard. You can’t make an indoor spa cover less strong, or make it without safety straps to buckle it down.

We could make an “indoor spa cover‘ with lower weight and density of foam, or a thinner grade of vinyl, but we make all of our covers to meet the ASTM standard, and provide the best durability.

But there are a few distinct differences between an indoor and outdoor spa or hot tub covers.

SKIRT LENGTH

The skirt is the flap of material that hangs down from the edge of the spa cover. Most indoor spas will still have a lip, if an acrylic tub was placed in the floor. Order a skirt length based on the measurement from the spa lip to the floor. Other spas may have the floor cantilevered over the edge of the spa, in which case a skirt length of 0.0″ can be ordered.

FOAM PANELS

In a true indoor hot tub or spa, (not a screened porch), but if you have a climate controlled room, and excellent insulation around the shell of the hot tub, you could buy a spa cover that has thinner foam panel inserts, of a lighter weight. Because your spa cover won’t have to contend with sub zero temperatures, an easier to manipulate, lighter weight spa top can be used. This can save up to $250 on your spa cover cost.

The taper of the foam panels is really not necessary for rain run-off on an indoor spa, so a flat cover could be used on an indoor spa. However, all of our foam panels are cut with a taper, thicker in the middle, thinner on the edge – to provide extra strength where it’s needed most, along the center fold of the cover.

SAFETY STRAPS

The safety straps that are used to buckle the spa cover to the spa cabinet are very important, to keep the cover in place during high winds, and to help keep children out of the spa without an adult around. For indoor spa covers, keeping them from being pushed or lifted, they should be strapped in place with the safety straps. Drill a small 1/4″ hole in the deck, and use an anchor to hold the screw for the strap clip. Spas at ground level present a particular safety challenge, especially if the hot tub room or area is not locked and monitored at all times.

INDOOR SPA COVER LIFTERS

Another distinction is that many spa cover lifters cannot be used for a spa cover that is laying on ground level. And bending over to fold, lift and carry an indoor spa cover is a real drag. Inground spa covers can use the Cover Valet to secure the fulcrum plates to a wood or concrete deck, but read the instructions first!

So, bottom line is ~ we don’t sell an indoor spa cover, or an inground spa cover, but you can order a cover without a skirt around the edge, and you could go thinner if you prefer. I would also recommend a floating foam spa blanket for indoor spas, to reduce evaporation indoor spaces.

This entry was posted
on Monday, June 16th, 2014 at 9:48 am and is filed under spa covers.
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